Effects of camphor on histomorphometric and histochemical parameters of testicular tissue in mice

Background: In traditional medicine of some Asian countries it is believed that camphor could act as a sexual depressant. However, limited studies have been published on this issue. OBJECTIVES: In the current study, effects of camphor on testes, sperm and serum factors, and roles of vitamin E as antioxidant in treatment of toxicity of camphor for testes were studied. METHODS: Fifty adult male mice (20-25 g) were categorized into five groups. Control group, two control sham groups received olive oil and combined vitamin E and olive oil respectively, and two treatment groups received camphor and combined camphor and vitamin E, respectively. Camphor with doses of 30 mg/kg/day and vitamin E with doses of 100 mg/kg/day were prepared. All substances were administered using gavage. After 35 days, blood was collected from the animal heart for serology and testosterone assessment. Sperms were collected and tissue samples were removed and fixed in Bouin and liquid nitrogen. Paraffin embedded and freezing sections were stained with H&E and specific stain and studied. RESULTS: Results showed a significant decrease in sperm count, average proportions of  live and mature sperms and major testicular morphometric parameters (p>0.05). Although histochemical changes were seen, no changes were observed in serum testosterone in groups that received camphor. Vitamin E moderated toxicity of camphor in immature sperms, diameter of lumen and TDI index. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that camphor includes adverse effects on parameters of testes and sperm quality. Furthermore, vitamin E, as an antioxidant, can moderate toxicity of camphor.